Senator Saland Honors Jill Salerno As Woman Of Distinction In Albany

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) today announced that Jill Salerno will be honored in Albany today as a 2006 Woman of Distinction. The celebration recognizes the enormous contribution made by the women of New York State who enrich the quality of life in their communities and beyond.

Salerno is a Life Member of the Columbia Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She became Auxiliary President and then a member of the Columbia Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. After exiting an active role in the Auxiliary ten years ago, Salerno had an idea for a venture called the Second Show - an exceptional community thrift shop. The idea became a reality when Salerno moved the Second Show Thrift Shop into the city of Hudson, as a venture with the Hospital and Operation Unite New York.

Salerno is currently involved with the Second Show as Treasurer. Aside from the many services it brings to the area, profits are distributed to Columbia Memorial Hospital, its Auxiliary and Operation Unite NY. In 2005, $75,000 was split between these entities. Salarno said that their goal is to achieve the half million dollar mark in 2006 for the ten years that they have been in business.

As a member of the Columbia Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees for 14 years, Salerno is now entering her 15th and final year, having served the last three years as Board Chair. In addition, she is currently serving as Vice-Chairman of the Columbia-Greene Community Foundation.

Last year, Salerno was named 2005 Citizen of the Year by the Columbia County Association of the City of New York for her efforts over the past five decades as volunteer and volunteer leader for a variety of local institutions. Having served on numerous boards, her involvement includes many organizations, such as the Cub Scouts, the Shaker Museum & Library, Leadership Columbia County, the American Red Cross, the United Way, library volunteering and others. "They have taught and continue to teach me daily," she said.

"I have had the good fortune to work with Jill Salerno for many years," said Senator Saland. "She has given selflessly to her community time and time again. She is a remarkable women and I am pleased to have this occasion to recognize what she has done to improve the quality of life in Columbia County."